198 THE KING’S BUSINESS Allies have made advances on the Somme and have had the best of the fighting at Verdun, but the advances made are very meager in comparison with the expenditure of money and life, and at the present rate of progress it would take years to crush Germany and her allies, and it would take expenditures of men and money that are not at the disposal of the entente allies. Of course, England and her allies could not take definite action looking toward peace on such alto gether indefinite peace proposals as were made by Germany. We believe that President Wilson has done a wise and righteous thing in asking a definite state ment of the demands of the different parties to this awful conflict. Without definite statements there can be no intelligent action, and a prudent government would not take any action at all without more definite statements. We regret that President Wilson’s reasonable suggestions were received so unkindly and were so misunderstood as they were in many quarters. • We have recently received from one of our sub- scribers a letter which we publish herewith, not merely The King’s Business, because it commends T he K ing ’ s B usiness , but because it suggests a way in which the readers can make their use of T he K ing ’ s B usiness profitable to others: “I cannot write you a formal business letter. I am too deeply grateful. I have been drinking at your fountain every day for a year, and, please God, will continue to dd so while we both shall live. More and more you help me shift all responsibility on the Great Teacher. I go to my class of seventy-two men with your lesson safe in my heart, feeling humble it is true, but with the spiritual irresponsibility that means joy. I am a messenger—an envelope around-a letter, the string that holds together the garland, nothing more. At the close of the day, past to me, but present with Him, I think of the silver miners in Peru, who, standing on cliffs, lift great burdens to the man above calling out, ‘It is up to you.’ When we meet in our Father’s house I hope to show you some results of the 'King’s Business.’ Until then will you pray for my class composed of timber inspectors, railroad and mill men, postmen, carpenters, and drift wpod? And for me, dear Dr. Torrey, that the blood of the Lamb may keep my heart clean like Abraham’s heart, so that the Heavenly Guest may enter?” How to Use England has at last come to the place where the most Drink’s Strangle-Hold drastic legislation in the control of food stuffs has Upon British become necessary. There has been a very serious Law-Makers. threatened shortage of food. It has been deemed necessary to check" luxury in almost every directibn by stringent laws, and yet in face of these facts it has been found impossible to check the drink evil, this has been allowed to go on without interference. Thousands of tons of the most valuable forms of food are allowed to be wasted every week in the manufacture of the drinks that are destroying the national life, interfering with transport facilities both on sea and land, rendering the soldiers ineffective, and interfering with the preparation of the necessary munitions. And yet every attempt at prohibitory legislation is thwarted, even when it is thought to be necessary to prohibit a generous ,use of meats and other necessary foods. What is the explanation ? The liquor interests control the government of England. England and her allies would have been much farther on toward victory today, even if complete victory had not already been accomplished, if it were not for the malign influence of the liquor interests.
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs